When you head to a classic car show, you should always expect the unexpected – and 2025’s Motorfest at John Wright Park delivered that in spades!! Organised by the passionate crew at the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, the event had all the vintage metal and chrome you could wish for. But it was something entirely new that stole the show: Rocker Cover Racing.
🏁 Click here for the full overview on Rocker Cover Racing
If you haven’t heard of it before, you’re not alone. While this quirky competition has been around in the US since 1987 – where the first Valve Cover Nationals drew 53 eager entrants – it’s only just beginning to rev up here in Australia. And judging by the smiles, cheers, and laughter, it’s here to stay.
About a dozen homemade racers lined up at the start gate, each one painted and designed to stand out. The battle down the track was fierce, with gravity doing most of the work as these creative machines hurtled towards the finish. In a nail-biting final, a Ford Falcon 6-cylinder rocker cover took on a Valiant slant-6 – and it was the Valiant that edged out the win by the slimmest of margins
The crowd loved it. In fact, it was such a hit that by day’s end, car clubs were already throwing down challenges, and GLHAC had fielded requests to hire out their track. Could we see Rocker Cover Racing added to the Triumph Nationals next year? It’s definitely on the cards!
And the fun doesn’t stop there. For 2026, GLHAC plans to expand the racing action even further – including Tonka Racing for the younger enthusiasts. Imagine the joy on the kids? faces as their trucks thunder down the track!
A highly detailed example of what can be created with a little imagination!
